Washington (CNN) - The House voted Thursday to prevent cuts in coming years in Medicare reimbursements to doctors.

However, the so-called "doc fix" bill was defeated earlier this year in the Senate, which is unlikely to reconsider the measure until after it completes work on an overall health care reform bill.

The House approved the $210 billion bill on a 243-183 vote, mostly on partisan lines. Democrats called it a necessary step to address an annual problem under a 1997 formula that limits increases in Medicare reimbursement costs.

Each year, Congress has voted to override the formula to prevent a cut in the money reimbursed to doctors providing Medicare services. For 2010, doctors face a 21 percent cut in reimbursements without a congressional remedy. The doc-fix bill would replace the old formula as a permanent solution for the recurring funding issue.

Republicans called the bill a budget buster that would raise the federal deficit by more than $200 billion. They accused Democrats of separating the bill from the larger health care reform legislation as a political trick to hold down the cost of the more comprehensive health care measure.

The doc-fix legislation was considered an important incentive for the American Medical Association to support the overall health care reform bill.

Democratic leaders wanted House approval for the bill to signal the AMA of their intention to continue pushing for it despite the earlier defeat in the Senate.

soundoff(31 Responses)

Harry Reid Claims the bill costs 894 Billion.
BUT, they add another 210 BILLION and act like it is magic.
They dont even count that 210 Billion.

Then the bill is a 10 year bill of 894 Billion, but the spending is only over a 6 year period. Can you idiot DEMS do the math.... You collect for 10 years and spend it all in 6 years.....> THE MATH DOES NOT ADD UP.... IT IS DEFICIT SPENDING....

Also the SENATE BUDGET OFFICE came out and said that the BILL that Harry Reid put together will cost 2.7TRILLION in the second 10 year period..... 2.7 TRILLION..... read the facts. LIARS.

November 19, 2009 09:45 pm at 9:45 pm |

J.C. - Independent 4 Public Option

It has been reported that many drugs, doctors' fees and medical device prices are rising at a speedy pace as these medical industry complex expects to see some form of cost control measures installed by Congress soon. Therefore, they are raising the base prices in a hurry.

I hope Congress will look at not only the current or last year's price, but also the past, at least, three year figures as a 3 or 5-year moving average to set the base price for drugs, doctors, lab, medical device fees.

On this doc fix bill, we really should consider offering free medical education to qualified students so they do not bear the burden of a huge student loan out of medical school and residency. I know quite a few young men and women that are very interested in becoming a medical doctors, but did not pursue due to the astronomical education costs. Some joined the military services for a medical education or a law degree. In France and Germany, medical and college education is free. In Germany, doctors received a fixed annual income. When it reaches the limit, it is up to the doctor to decide whether or not to continue seeing patients. Most do continue.

November 19, 2009 10:05 pm at 10:05 pm |

S Callahan

CNN I am so sad that you, and organization that the good Lord has availed to , has failed to mention the most prothetic political, social, religous event of our lifetime...the appointment of the EU President.
Ahh...time is close and truth revealed. Get your robes ready! PTL

November 19, 2009 10:06 pm at 10:06 pm |

nathan smith ga

this is great doctors need to be paid come on healthcare for all americans.

November 19, 2009 11:45 pm at 11:45 pm |

chris l

Democrats are good at spending other peoples money on crap. its ok though, in 2010 they will be disposed of and sent back under whatever rocks they crawled out of. And finally in 2012, barring any impeachment proceedings or possible prison for treason, the man-child and chief will be joining them.